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No big bikes. No scripts. No directors, no make-up artists. No boxes to check. And that; is a kind of freedom. One minute we were tourists and the next minute we were a tourist attraction. The cameraman was at some point the subject.

Every once in a while, it’s good to throw away the rulebook and make a new game. Whether it’s the expectations and ‘standards’ of the biker image, or the video production handbook; the rules we make become our limitations.
We rode away from the ‘serious biker’ character. Swapped the Enduro for a “monkey-bike”, left the riding jackets and safety gear behind. Threw out all the textbooks just to see if we could learn something new.

And we did. We learned that small bikes can also mean big adventures. The Skyteam Bongo 125 is so fun-sized it’s ….fun. Stress-free kind of fun. Bike stuck in the mud? Just lift it out. Can’t ride across the ocean? Just throw it on the boat. A 125cc too small to travel long distances? Just load it up on the back of the pickup truck. All the things we wouldn’t have managed with an Africa Twin. As much as the consensus is that big bikes can go further than smaller ones; there are places that they just can’t follow.

It’s more than that though. It’s about context. A fun-sized bike creates a different feel altogether. It prevents you from taking things too seriously and has a tendency of laughing in the face of all that is ‘proper’. It encourages you with its lack of expectations, to be a little silly without any shame involved. After all, you have to live a lil’ crazy to stay sane.

This was during Rimba Raid in 2017 when we were commissioned by Ducati Malaysia to cover the event. Yes we do Production Work too as we are a Video Production Facility. So you know who to call when you need any videos done. (Budget can be discussed).

An off roading event held at Kampung Mat Daling. With 2 separate courses for the Enduros and Dual Purpose Motorcycles. What an event. The Scramblers handled the course relatively well. Well done Ducati. Thank you Rimba Raid Community. Thank you Ducati Malaysia

Saturday mornings come and you’re out for some mountain air, get on a scoot and twist away. Chill & take in some scenery, catch-up with a friend over coffee, some things never get old.

That’s how we santai ( relax ) with our Vespas. Just get on & go where ever your itchiness takes you, well this iconic machine just takes us back in time where the pace of life was kinder, the air was fresher & Saturdays were meant for sleeping-in or taking it easy.

This time we just Get Out and Roam Free from the stresses of urban life to recharge and align back with nature.
The Ducati Scrambler is that mix of 70% road and 30% off-road which allows you to take it just about anywhere with ease except for those heavy mud trails. What a joy taking this piece of Italian engineering from the city to the highways, back roads, off roads and even through a river (with controlled precision of course).

For an 800cc, this is one very nimble, able and purpose built Italian that does not disappoint. With a plush saddle and a well fitted damping system to pair, it just makes you wanna ride on and on… Once you know you can do that, you’ve got a bike that is just right for you. And not to forget the aromatic coffee grind from Sudo Brew that made my retreat to nature complete.

So you want to get on a bike and just go anywhere? see everything? The Honda CB500XA kicks up an quick adventure out of the city and into backyards for some real good drip coffee, sand roads and clear blue open skies.

Thoughts,

Just loving the versatility of this nimble little adventure bike. Enough power to the wheels to keep your imagination going on where you could possibly bring this bike. You don’t really have to think too hard with a throttle this friendly. No sore bums too after riding the sand mine roads that we found by accident. I’d say this is a “wheel it out of the porch and ride” kinda bike. Yup definitely going to go anywhere and see anything with this one.

An interesting and important explanation on the importance to know when to change your Helmet. What are the tell tale sign when time is up for your helmet and what shortens the life of your helmet! Please take note.

These look stunning. I think we will be getting many new big toys from Honda this year.

The CBR and CB comes in two color variants, Matte Black with Red Chassis and Matte Black with White Chassis. A breath of fresh air from the previous boring and soft colour scheme. Even though just cosmetics, but you now get to feel its point of aggressiveness.

I believe it should be available at Honda Impian from 23rd January 2017 onwards.

Price wise for this Middleweight Player? hmmm somewhere in the mid 40k region and with a 2 year warranty or 20k manufacturers warranty. (Yang mana comes first la…the usual).

MV Agusta starts a new beginning in Malaysia with its new partners with the signing ceremony for the Local Assembly and Distribution Rights between MV Agusta Motor SpA (represented by Mr Judah Sangaran – Far East Country Manager) and DNC Asiatic Holdings Sdn Bhd – Demak group (represented by Ms Hu Ying – Executive Director) and the appointment of Moto Verese Asiatic Sdn Bhd (represented by Mr Muhamad Zamry Abu Samah – Managing Director) as the Sole Distributor of MV Augusta’s in Malaysia.

It all went smoothly today at the DNC Asiatic Holdings (Demak Group) Headquarters.

A milestone for MV in Malaysia as it had been struggling with its brand presence here for many many years. Based on much feedback from media friends, they seem to think that is by far is the best match for MV Agusta.

DNC Asiatic Holdings (Demak Group) will be responsible for the component imports and local assembly of MV’s while Moto Varese Asiatic holds the sole distributorship for MV’s where they will handle the retail, marketing and promotion aspects of the MV brand.

Local assembly could mean one thing, competitive pricing but it will not be a pasar malam bargain hunters market i’m afraid which is a good thing as well.

Termed as Super Premium Bikes by MV Agusta Motor Spa’s Far East Country Manager Judah Sangaran, wecan expect an improved customer service and after sales experience with it’s up an coming flagship 3S centre that will open its doors within the first half of 2017 based in the Batu Caves area.

We were promised the full range of MV motorcycles (8 to be exact) to be available for sale in Malaysia and bookings can already be made for it. Quote”everything will roll out at the same time.”

Judah Sangaran with his keynote address

Press conference after

2 more centres would also be in the pipeline for Penang and also East Malaysia.

In 2016 the Asia Pacific Region sold around 1497 units of MV with it biggest market being Australia that did about 400 units as compared to 72 units in 2015. Why the jump when asked? It was because of MV’s range of Limited Edition Bikes that had been a pulling factor for buyers especially in Australia said Mr Sangaran.

Now by being Super Premium and wanting to keep its premium image like say a Ferrari or Lamborghini, my question would be whether they would vet the customer list of potential buyers. If we take a look at another italian brand for instance (starts with a D), it was once dubbed a premium brand that has been worshiped by many. A desirable machine that only the rich could afford in Malaysia. However in recent times, based on public perception, it is now termed as a “Motor Rempit” as most owners are riding it as if they were one their “Kap Chais” or “Mopeds” doing illegal races.

Market Positioning I believe is what MV would be needing to focus on to uphold it’s image of prestige.

2017 will be an interesting year from MV and its new partners. One that would be exciting yet challenging because of the economic situation. The 10 year cycle they say. However, the rich are never severely affected. It is the Middle Incomers that are affected the most and they are slowly diminishing. Apart from that….for 2017, It will be and itching one to get behind an MV!

This is BRUTAL

CONGRATULATIONS MV AGUSTA MALAYSIA! From all of us at Otomoto.my

Peace yo!

The team at DNC Asiatic and Moto Varese Asiatic with Judah Sangaran of MV Agusta Motor SpA